Schwarzenegger Declares Himself a ‘Traditional Republican’ Amid GOP Shift
UPDATE: Actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared he remains a ‘traditional Republican’ during a recent appearance on HBO’s “Real Time” with Bill Maher. This statement comes as the Republican Party undergoes significant changes, raising questions about the party’s future and its core values.
During the live interview on August 21, 2025, Schwarzenegger responded to Maher’s probing question about whether the principles that attracted him to the Republican Party still hold true today. “Things change,” he asserted, emphasizing the noticeable transformation within the party. “I’m a traditional Republican,” he reiterated, drawing attention to the historical achievements of past Republican leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.
Schwarzenegger highlighted Lincoln’s pivotal role in abolishing slavery and ensuring civil rights for African Americans, stating, “The Republican Party then made sure that the Blacks became citizens of the United States.” He expressed concern over the current direction of the party, insisting, “The party has changed now…but that doesn’t mean that we have to change. We have to fight to get the party back and to get the philosophy back.”
This urgent declaration comes as the GOP faces internal debates over its identity and policies. Schwarzenegger’s remarks resonate amid California’s political climate, where Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced Proposition 50, a controversial measure aimed at changing congressional district maps in response to redistricting efforts in Republican-led states.
In a heartfelt moment, Maher recalled Schwarzenegger’s past experiences with socialism in Austria, saying, “You saw socialism firsthand.” Schwarzenegger, who arrived in the U.S. without prior knowledge of American political parties, reiterated his commitment to bipartisanship, stating, “People should know that it is important that we serve the people, not the parties.”
The former governor urged political leaders to collaborate across party lines, emphasizing, “We have to go talk to each other, rather than hating each other.” His call for unity is particularly poignant as California grapples with political divisions and the implications of Newsom’s redistricting efforts.
Schwarzenegger’s emphasis on cooperation echoes a growing sentiment among citizens who desire effective governance over partisan conflict. “With the Republican brain and with the Democratic brain together, we’ve the ultimate brain power we could really accomplish things,” he stated.
The dialogue on “Real Time” not only reflects Schwarzenegger’s enduring commitment to traditional Republican values but also serves as a rallying cry for moderates and those seeking to reclaim a more inclusive party identity. As the political landscape continues to evolve, Schwarzenegger’s insights may resonate with many who feel disconnected from the current GOP.
With the 2024 elections approaching, all eyes will be on how the Republican Party navigates these changes. Schwarzenegger’s message of returning to core values may inspire a re-evaluation of the party’s direction as it faces mounting challenges both within and outside its ranks.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Schwarzenegger’s remarks spark discussions about the future of the Republican Party and its foundational principles.
